How to prepare for a Lecturette in SSB Interview

How to prepare for a Lecturette in SSB Interview?

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Lecturette is one of the 9 GTO tasks which are conducted after the psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT & SD) on the third and fourth day of the SSB Interview. It is one of the main tests of the GTO round as many qualities of candidates are tested. This being a personal round, gives candidates a free hand to showcase their knowledge and character without any interruption. If you perform well in this task, it can increase your chances of recommendation. Thus, let’s know in detail about it and how to prepare for a Lecturette in SSB Interview.

Apart from Lecturette, the other 8 Tasks of the GTO test are

  1. Group Discussion
  2. Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise)
  3. Progressive Group Tasks (PGT)
  4. Half Group Tasks (HGT)
  5. Individual Obstacles
  6. Group Obstacles Race or Snake Race
  7. Command Task
  8. Final Group Task

What is Lecturette in SSB Interview?

As the name suggests, Lecturette is a task conducted personally for every candidate in which a small extempore speech or lecture is given by them on a topic in front of a group in a given time. It is different from an extempore speech, as 3 minutes are given to the candidate to prepare his speech. The candidates have to select the topic from a card given by the GTO which has a list of 4 topics of varying difficulty levels.

It is conducted in order to assess the following skills in the candidates, which are essential qualities for being a good officer.

  • Interpersonal skills of the candidate
  • Fast decision-making ability
  • Self-confidence in candidate
  • Capability to influence the group
  • Command over language
  • Determination to perform under pressure
  • How well do you execute your plan under stress
  • General Awareness
  • Courage to speak in front of people or stage fear
  • Power of expression
  • Clarity of thoughts

The procedure of Lecturette in SSB Interview

For GTO tasks, the complete batch is divided into smaller groups. In lecturette, all the members of the group are called and briefed by GTO. In this task, a candidate will be given a bunch by the GTO or will be kept somewhere. Every card has 4 topics of various natures written on it. They have to select one card from the bunch which will have four topics. Then, the candidate has to choose one topic out of the 4 mentioned on that card and have to inform the GTO about his selected topic.

It is advised not to take much time to select the topic. Further, the candidates cannot change their topic, once they have been informed about their selected topic to the GTO. They are given a time limit of 3 minutes to gather their thoughts and points about that topic. Then, they have to speak for about 3 minutes on that topic in front of the group.

Let’s understand the complete procedure of the task which is conducted in the SSB Interview.

  • As instructed by the GTO first candidate will select one card from the bunch, select his topic and inform the GTO about the same. They will be directed to a separate place where they can prepare their topic.
  • Approximate 3 minutes will be the time limit for preparation.
  • The candidate will be called by the indication of a ring/bell for their turn.
  • When this candidate will start talking, the next candidate will choose a card and go to formulate his speech.
  • After 2 minutes 30 seconds, GTO will ring a warning bell to signal that the last 30 seconds are remaining.
  • The signal of the second bell will be to halt the Lecturette and consequently next candidate will start speaking.

This procedure is repeated until all the candidates have given their speeches.

Type of Lecturette Topics

The 4 topics mentioned on every card will be of different levels,

  • The first and Second topics on the card are of average level on which a candidate having observational skills and good confidence can speak easily and fluently. This topic will be from the Static General Awareness portion.
  • The third topic can be considered as the above-average level topic as it is related to current affairs at the national or international level. If a candidate must have good knowledge of both current events and also some static information about that topic.
  • Topic Number Four is somewhat very easy on which candidates having decent communication skills can speak on this topic.

For Example, the four topics in a card can be

  • Uniform Civil Code in India
  • SAARC or Indo-Russia Relations
  • Indian Economy post COVID-19
  • My greatest achievement in Life

Every type and level of topics are given just to make sure that every candidate at least gets one topic on which he can speak something if he is not aware of the current affairs or much knowledge of General Awareness.

How to prepare for Lecturette

  1. Being good in the English language is one of the basic criteria, so start practicing English.
  2. Practice talking with your friends, and family members in English.
  3. The candidate should also read newspapers and articles to increase their general awareness about the current events of national and international importance which could help you in your Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
  4. The talk shows and Debates of Rajya Sabha TV can also help you a lot. The candidate can also watch their prominent shows on their Official YouTube channel.
  5. The candidate should also make notes of important events or facts/figures which will help you in quoting during in lecturette or Group Discussion.
  6. There are few static or evergreen topics like UNO, Indo-Pak relations, etc. on which you should prepare and practice your three minutes speech. For better management, you can take the help of anyone to monitor the time during your speech.
  7. The candidate can simply practice by speaking in front of the mirror which could help them a lot.
  8. The topics are of different areas and varying difficulty, like some topics, will be very difficult and to the specific area and others being somewhat lower and so on. So select the topic judiciously.
  9. The candidate should keep a note about the below points while practicing their speech
    • Body postures
    • Expressions
    • Gestures
    • Body language
    • Pronunciation
    • Accent
    • Speed of your speech
    • The tone of your speech
Tips to deliver the best Lecturette in SSB Interview

Tips to deliver the best Lecturette in SSB Interview

  1. Give attention to the instructions specified by the GTO.
  2. The candidate should not waste their time in selecting the topic. They should select only that topic in which they have knowledge and are familiar. Selecting an extraordinary subject will not amaze anyone if they can’t speak well.
  3. They should select that topic for which they have enough points to speak for three minutes.
  4. The candidate must support their thoughts by stating facts and figures wherever they can.
  5. Have a Good Body Posture when you are giving your speech.
  6. They must maintain a good speech with a clear tone and pitch.
  7. Maintain eye contact with all the group members sitting there.
  8. The most important point of Lecturette is how you frame it by arranging all your ideas in a specific sequential manner. Below are points that must be considered while framing your lecturette speech.
    • Make a list of major or important points of the topic on which you are going to speak. This will help you in preparing an outline of what you have to speak in those three minutes.
    • Bifurcate and arrange all the points into three segments, – Introduction, – Body, and – Conclusion. The candidate can cover every segment by giving, 30-45 seconds into the introduction, 1.5 to 1.75 minutes for the body, and the rest 30-45 seconds in concluding the topic.
    • Avoid going around the busy by framing bulky sentences or making stories. They must be to the point which not saves their time but also shows their clarity of thoughts.
    • Do use Facts, Figures, and relevant examples to prove your point or support your stand. Be logical in your thoughts.
  9. As soon as you hear the first bell, start summarizing and concluding. Speak the conclusion part, say thanks to everyone, and then take your seat.

Don’ts for Lecturette

  1. Try not to select below-average topics. If you wish to select that try to make that topic as interesting as possible.
  2. Do not do any kind of negative body language.
  3. Try to avoid hand movements while speaking.
  4. During your speech, never droop while standing or lean on the podium
  5. Never criticize Government policies or decisions. Though, you can criticize the execution part of it if it’s necessary.
  6. Always be attentive when other candidates are speaking.
  7. Never see the assessors once you start your speech.
  8. Don’t focus on any one candidate while delivering the speech
  9. Never show the stress on your face
  10. Try to finish your lecture within the time limit. Also do not finish it very fast.

Sample Lecturette

Lecturette Topic - Make in India
Make in India
Lecturette Topic - My Role Model
Lecturette Topic – My Role Model

Some Lecturette Topics for Practice

  1. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defense manufacturing
  2. Bharat Mala and Sagar Mala Project
  3. G-5 Nations
  4. SAARC
  5. Uniform Civil Code
  6. Vaccine Diplomacy of India
  7. EVM Voting or Ballot Voting
  8. Right To Education
  9. Right to Information
  10. Indian Foreign Policy towards Asian Countries
  11. Women as Fighter Pilots in the Indian Air Force
  12. Indo China Relations
  13. Russian and India Relations
  14. Indo-US Relations
  15. Indo-Bangladesh Relations
  16. Indo-Pakistan Relations
  17. Indo-Canada Relations
  18. Indo Myanmar Relations
  19. Illiteracy in Digital India Age
  20. Impact of cinema on Indian Society
  21. Global Warming and its effect
  22. My Favourite cricketer
  23. Swatch Bharat Mission
  24. Indian Economy after 1991 LPG Reforms
  25. Junk food – A growing culture in Indian Youth
  26. OPPOSITES ATTRACT
  27. Best Day of my life
  28. My Favourite Subject
  29. The Most Memorable Day in my hostel
  30. The Most memorable match
  31. My Favourite Festival

Hope this article would have helped you in understanding What is Lecturette and How to prepare for a Lecturette in SSB Interview? If you have any queries or need any further clarification or explanation, do mention it in the comment section or mail directly at [email protected].

Jai Hind.

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